Relatives of the families of those killed in the 1974 Birmingham bombings met with West Midland Police today to discuss the possibility of a new inquiry into the death of their loved ones. The families were told there would be no new investigation, or proceedings.

There have been questions over the years why certain individuals such as the people named by the media apparently never formed part of any investigation. I want to be open and transparent today and tell you that these men had been subject to investigation in the 1970s and the 1991-94 investigation.

There was insufficient evidence for proceedings against any person.

My professional judgement is that the 1991-94 investigation was carried out to a good standard.

The families of those killed in the 1974 bombings at two Birmingham pubs are meeting with senior police officers to discuss whether a fresh inquiry will be launched.

Brian and Julie Hambleton lost their 18-year-old sister Maxine in the bombings - and have told ITV News Central they have never got over the loss.

Brian Hambleton Credit: ITV News Central

Six men were arrested and the following year were jailed for life for the atrocity.

16 years later, their convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal amid a series of public scandals about the West Midlands Police Serious Crime Squad.

It is now considered one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

And with the case still officially remaining unsolved almost 40 years later, the families of those lost are demanding answers.

Julie Hambleton Credit: ITV News Central

For the Birmingham Six and their families, the sense of injustice continues too.

They felt they had been used as scapegoats in 1974 - partly to calm anti-Irish tensions in the city at the time - and have accused police of knowing who really was behind the attacks but failing to take action.

At today's meeting, which starts at 10am, senior police officers and prosecutors will discuss with the families whether a fresh inquiry is likely to go ahead.

Families of the 21 people who lost their lives in the Birmingham pub bombings 40 years ago will today meet with senior police officers to learn whether their campaign for a fresh inquiry has been successful.

The wreckage of the Mulberry Bush pub - one of the bomb targets Credit: ITV News Central

West Midlands Police has been collating thousands of documents over the past few months, and examining whether new forensic techniques could be used to find those responsible.

No one has been brought to justice for the murder of 21 people in the terrorist attack on two pubs in Birmingham city centre in 1974.